School of Continuing Education
School of Continuing Education
Health Care
Get ready to work as a certified nursing unit clerk in a hospital or care facility and take on the administrative and liaison responsibilities that enable a healthcare unit to function smoothly.
The Nursing Unit Clerk program teaches you to communicate effectively with nurses, physicians, and other members of the healthcare team. You learn to prioritize in a fast-paced environment, identify commonly used hospital drugs, process doctors’ orders, and follow up accordingly. Course materials based on current industry standards and a hands-on practicum ensure that, upon graduation, you are fully qualified to launch a career in this dynamic field. Due to the fast-paced and complex nature of healthcare service, NUCs must possess excellent communication skills, keen multitasking abilities, and attention to detail.
Now accepting applications for September 2026
Credential: Certificate
Format: Full time
Delivery: Online courses at scheduled meeting times; practicum in person at an assigned work site
Duration: 6.5 months
Days and times: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9:00 am-2:30 pm
Tuition*: $9,085
Program eligible for financial aid
Practicum required? Yes
Start dates: January, September
* Tuition subject to change without notice. Textbooks are not included in tuition.
You must meet all entrance requirements to be accepted to the program. View the entrance requirements in the UFV Academic Calendar.
Once you have applied to the program, you will need to submit the following documents by the deadline provided below.
1. Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening
A satisfactory Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening is required for practicum. Complete the Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector using access code CACJXKC5VT.
After making the fee payment, you will receive an online receipt from the Ministry of Justice. Your results are sent directly to Continuing Education.
2. Immunization Record
The BC Health Authorities require you to be up to date on your immunizations in order to work or study in a healthcare setting. Review the Health Practicum Student Immunization Checklist for a list of the immunizations you must have. You must provide one of the following:
a. The Health Practicum Student Immunization Checklist, completed and signed by your doctor.
OR
b. Your immunization records indicating that you are up to date on all the immunizations listed in the Health Practicum Student Immunization Checklist. BC health records can be accessed through Health Gateway.
Your immunization records or the completed, signed checklist must be submitted to cepracticum@ufv.ca by the deadline below.
Note: COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required. However, if public health orders change, students are expected to update their immunizations as required.
Your Criminal Record Check will be automatically sent to Continuing Education upon completion, but you will need to submit your immunization records by email by the deadline below.
To submit your documents, email cepracticum@ufv.ca and attach your immunization records and/or the completed Health Practicum Student Immunization Checklist signed by your doctor.
Fall program (September start): October 31
Winter program (January start): February 28
The program consists of 12 courses that include a combination of theory and practice-related exercises before you participate in a four-week hospital practicum.
View the Winter 2025 NUC program schedule or the Fall 2025 NUC program schedule.
Students complete a four-week practicum at the end of their program that provides a meaningful work-like experience and exposure to a hospital setting. To qualify for practicum, you must successfully complete all courses within the program.
If you live in the Fraser Valley or Lower Mainland, UFV will arrange a practicum placement for you, leveraging our network of partner organizations and professional contacts. If you reside outside this region, you are responsible for locating a suitable practicum site within your area. Once you have identified a potential site, please submit the details to cepracticum@ufv.ca for approval to ensure it meets our program's standards and requirements.
View the practicum webpage for more information.
See the School of Continuing Education's refund and withdrawal schedule.
Learn more about employment outcomes, BC's labour market, and opportunities for healthcare careers in the Fraser Valley and beyond:
Current employment opportunities:
To find your textbooks, use the UFV Bookstore's textbook search tool. Select "CE - Continuing Education" as your area of study.
Computer requirements
You will need a computer or laptop (PC or Mac) with reliable internet access and up-to-date software in order to access your online classes. View UFV's technical requirements for online courses here.
Additional supplies
You will need scrubs and appropriate footwear for your practicum. You will also need basic school supplies such as notebooks and pens.
Phone: 604-851-6324
Toll free: 1-888-504-7441 ext. 6324
Email: continuingeducation@ufv.ca
Or ask online
It was an intensive eight months. It’s very different from high school. It requires a lot of studying, but you end up with more knowledge than you expected. Teachers are passionate about the subject. And you get grounded in medical terminology and what to expect in a hospital setting.